This workshop provides hands-on demonstrations of acting and drawing principles required to achieve strong animated performances. Participants view demonstrations of acting by lecturers and volunteers from the audience, and are invited to try each exercise. Drawing materials are supplied to follow live demonstrations. Examples of strong animation are projected. Larry Lauria, formerly of Disney Institute, demonstates how he works at his animation desk.

The course addresses the following acting-for-animation principles:

Warming up your instrument -- isolation exercises and illusions.

Trust and collaboration the studio -- blindfolds are provided.

Staging and positioning of characters for good silhouette -- motion and drawing.

The take and double take in physical timing -- squash and stretch, timing, trading the focus between two actors.

Relaxation -- contraction and release of all muscles.

Emotional recall of past events (blindfolded).

Showing emotion using everyday actions -- walking, sitting, standing.

Prerequisites
The only requirements are an open mind and a willingness to participate in guided activities. It helps to have an understanding of the process of animation in either stop-motion, classical, cut-out, experimental film, or 3D media. Acting and dance experience is not required but will be introduced during kinesthetic exercises.

Intended Audience
Animators, producers, graphic artists, game developers, filmmakers, and students should attend. Through guided motion and drawing exercises, all attendees will gain an understanding of methods needed to produce strong animation.

Tickets are required for entrance to this course. Tickets for the
session will be distributed to Full Conference registrants
at the entrance to Room 511AB. There is no additional charge for tickets, but
they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendance is limited
to 100 people. Attendees who have tickets will be seated first after the session break.

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